In Touch - Jan. 8, 2010

Like the father of the Prodigal Son, our heavenly Father will not force us to remain with Him. If we ignore His guiding Holy Spirit and insist on following an ungodly path, He'll let us go our own way.

Examining the parable, we learn what happens if we move outside of God's plan.

• Our fellowship with the Fatheris significantly affected. The wayward son was no longer in close contact with his dad; their relationship was not as important to him as it had been. If we wander and make ourselves top priority over the Lord, we will also experience a disconnect with our heavenly Father. As Christians, we cannot move off God's chosen path without first closing our mind and heart to His truth and His call on our lives.

Our resources—time, talent, and treasure—are wasted. The son squandered his money on frivolous things and ended up worse off than the laborers at his father's house. God has bestowed spiritual gifts and material resources to build His kingdom, and He's also provided His Spirit to offer guidance. Pursuing our own plan wastes what He has given us.

Our deepest needs go unmet. Chasing after dreams that are outside of God's purposes will lead to discontent. Only in Christ can we find true fulfillment.

A great weariness will overtake us if we live apart from God. Poor choices can result in lifelong regrets, but they don't have to dictate our future. The heavenly Father will welcome us with great joy and love when we repent and turn back to Him. Have you wandered away? He's waiting for you.

For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.

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About In Touch Ministries

At In Touch Ministries, our mission is to lead people worldwide into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and to strengthen the local church.

About Charles F. Stanley

Charles F. Stanley is the founder of In Touch Ministries and a New York Times best-selling author. While his teaching is transmitted throughout the world to millions of people, Dr. Stanley continues to demonstrate a practical, keen awareness of people’s needs and provide Christ-centered, biblically-based principles for everyday life.

Dr. Stanley’s motivation is best represented by the truth found in Acts 20:24, “Life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love.”